In difficult times rife with racial injustice and police brutality, hip-hop has made sure to stand up and lead by example. Many of the game’s veterans have already used their platform to speak on the death of George Floyd, and the plight that thousands still experience in the face of systemic racism. From Dr. Dre’s Young Money Radio appearance to Jay-Z’s emotional appeal to the Minnesota governor, to Killer Mike’s powerful speech to his fellow Atlanta residents, the OGs have been vocal in the face of adversity.
Today, another voice has been added, and an impactful one at that. LL Cool J, rap legend and host of Sirius XM’s Rock The Bells Radio, has picked up the pen and issued a spoken word verse titled “Black Lives Matter.” His eyes red, LL spits with fire and fury, declaring his intentions within the opening moments. “For 400 years you had your knees on our necks,” he raps. “A garden of evil with no seeds of respect / in America’s mirror all she sees is regret / instead of letting blood live, they begging for blood let.”
The passion in his voice is evident, and it’s inspirational to watch LL lay his cards on the table in such an emotional fashion. A lyricist to the core, LL’s “Black Lives Matter” is a well-written testimony to the power of the hip-hop artform. Big respect to the legendary rapper for holding it down — see LL’s deliver his message for yourself below.
